SimCity 4: Deluxe Edition

"It's true??? Two games in one?!"

EA games have introduced a new version of Sim City: Sim City 4 Deluxe Edition. (From now on, Sim City 4 Deluxe Edition will be refered to as sc4dx.) Personally, I think that EA has done a great job of creating this edition. Yes, still some flaws are to be dealt with, the game itself lags around low-end and mid computers, but it's all about the gameplay, and very teeny bit on graphics and sound. I know you want to get to the good stuff, so I will do so. From now on, I will be strict on giving ratings and reviews throughout the rest of this review, by the way.

GRAPHICS (9/10)-You've guessed it, EA is all about graphics. This game has top-notch graphics, but with few catches. If you really want to experience virtual reality graphics, you must have a juiced up computer. A NASA computer should do the trick, but we can't afford that, so this creates a problem. The reason I am giving graphics a 9 out of 10 is because of the requirements. In the original Sim City 4, the minimum requirements were 16 mb of graphic, and other stuff that I won't mention in this section. In THIS game, the minimum requirements are 32 mb. Some people who do not spend much time working on their computer may experience some big-time lag during gameplay. Overall, graphics are top-notch, but you would need a VERY powerful computer to experience the ultimate.

GAMEPLAY (10/10)-Ah, the good-old juiced up, modernized Sim City. It went from a simple DOS game to one of the most modern games ever. Continuing to produce newer versions of this glorius game, using similar strategies, this game can never get boring. There is always problems (no, not like computer problems, the problems you need to actually manage in the game, like bankruptcy) wherever you go in SC4DX. You can never really ''finish'' the game over a short time period. I give gameplay a 10 out of 10, for its originality and fun.

Sound (10/10)-You know how many people, on any game review, go strictly on sound, giving 8's and 7's on sound, just for some reasons, right? Well, I believe that the reviewers are being too strict on the sound aspect of the whole entire game. I believe that the sound is perfect, due to its clarity. The sound effects are what makes this game so interesting. Each individual object is different because of its sound. The music. Many people say Sim City music is too boring, but I prefer this kind of music. Put the volume for music on low, and it will make the world's best background music. Also, a new feature in Sim City, you can actually place music in the game, if you really hate listening to the music included in the game already. This way, you can listen to your favorite songs while playing your favorite game. 2 in 1, heh. Sound is perfect in this game no matter what. A vast improvement over previous Sim City games.

Replayability factor (9/10)-Like I've said before, you can never ''finish'' the game entirely. There is always room for improvement, whether it is increasing your Police budget, or stopping riots in downtown New York. There is always something going on in this ''exciting'' game. Notice how I put the quotes around the word ::exciting::. The reason I did that is because this game is for the people who are more couch potato-ish, who like to relax and have a lot of patience. This game takes a very long time to complete, like about 4-6 months, to get it done completely. However, even if you are impatient, you should give some patience to this game, and see what you have accopmlished in 6 months. You will probably be amazed. This section deserves a 9 out of 10 because it's a lot of fun, for people with great patience only.

Buy or Rent? I say buy wherever you can, because of the price of this game. In most stores, the original Sim City 4 is $40. SC4DX, well, it's the same price. Technically, you are getting the Rush Hour (an expansion pack) and the original SC4 for the price of $40. It is like getting 2 games for one. This is a bargain, so I suggest you go and buy this game when you get the chance.

The Overall (not average) score for this game: 9.4 (rounded down to 9/10 for GameFAQs.)

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/27/03